Best Nick Goellner Podcasts (2025)

1
Capturing the Human Side of Manufacturing with Chad Schmidt, 482 46:00

Play Pause

21h ago46:00

46:00

Every machine shop has a story—and Chad Schmidt has made it his mission to tell them. As a sales engineer + content creator, Chad blends his technical background with a passion for storytelling. He creates authentic shop tour videos that shine a spotlight on the people, culture, and values driving the manufacturing industry. His YouTube channel has…

1
The Gold Standard of Shop Finance: Cash Flow, Profit, and Growth, 481 51:32

8d ago51:32

51:32

Running a machine shop isn’t just about cutting chips—it’s about managing the numbers that make the whole operation possible. In this Machine Shop MBA episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Jon Hughes of CLA to tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of shop ownership: financial strategy. Many shop leaders rise through the ran…

1
Carrying the Legacy Forward: Yuto Matsuura on Family, Precision, and the Future of Automation, Ep #23 52:49

11d ago52:49

52:49

In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with a special guest who embodies both tradition and innovation: Yuto Matsuura, fourth-generation leader of Matsuura Machinery. His story is one of legacy, expectation, and transformation—from the weight of inheriting a century-old family business to finding his own passion for manufacturing and automation…

1
Top Shops Benchmarking: The Numbers That Separate Leaders from the Rest, Ep #27 53:08

12d ago53:08

53:08

In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Mike Payne sits down with Dave Necessary, Executive Vice President of Products and Markets at Gardner Business Media, to dig into the power of benchmarking and the Top Shops program. For more than a decade, Top Shops has been the definitive survey that shows manufacturers where they stand—highlighting the practic…

1
The Hanna Golf Story: Building with Grit, Craft, and American-Made Pride 32:13

13d ago32:13

32:13

Most golf brands take the shortcut: outsource, import, slap on a logo. Jared decided to do it the hard way. ⠀ In this episode, we dig into the Hanna Golf story — how a sales guy became a maker, bought a CNC, and built a boutique putter brand rooted in grit, craft, and American-made pride. From betting on himself to cutting through the noise of big …

1
What's the Secret to Happy Customers? 480 57:12

15d ago57:12

57:12

At the heart of every successful machine shop isn’t just the parts it produces—it’s the experience it delivers to its clients. In this episode of MakingChips (part of our Machine Shop MBA series), we sit down with Andy Reinwald, President of Ripley Machine, to unpack what it really takes to deliver an excellent client experience in manufacturing. A…

51
Inventory Management Strategies Every Machine Shop Should Steal, 479 59:54

22d ago59:54

59:54

Inventory and materials management may not sound glamorous, but for us—and for any thriving shop—it’s the difference between healthy cashflow and a financial chokehold. In this Machine Shop MBA conversation, we break down how smart inventory practices—both physical and digital—can free up space, cut costs, and improve delivery performance. From raw…

1
The Automation Trap: Turning Struggle into a Lean Legacy, Ep #22 40:19

25d ago40:19

40:19

After three episodes of grit, missteps, and breakthroughs, the story of Iron Clunk Machining comes to its conclusion—and its rebirth as Iron Wheel Manufacturing. This isn’t just the end of a narrative—it’s proof that the right combination of lean principles, selective automation, and engaged leadership can completely transform a struggling shop int…

1
Beyond the Highest Bid: Selling Your Business with Legacy in Mind, Ep #26 1:06:20

26d ago1:06:20

1:06:20

Selling a business is rarely just about the numbers—and in this episode of Buy the Numbers, we explore why. Recorded at the CLA Connect Center in Minnesota, Mike Payne and guest co-host Erin Mickels sit down with two sets of owners who have recently gone through the process of selling their companies. From fielding unsolicited offers to choosing be…

1
Trial by Fire: How Leadership Finds You on the Shop Floor 41:08

27d ago41:08

41:08

In this MakingSparks episode, Casey and Matthew talk with Keith — a leader whose career has been shaped by both running a fabrication shop and now serving as General Manager at Fabrication Solutions & Technologies (FST). Keith’s path started with welding in the blazing heat, learning from old-school fabricators, and grinding his way up to shop mana…

51
Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works (Part II), 478 39:08

29d ago39:08

39:08

In Part 2 of our conversation with certified lead auditor Jess Teasdake, we dig deeper into what it really takes to build an efficient, audit-ready quality management system (QMS). If you caught Part 1, you heard us talk through the big picture: certifications, audits, and what separates a good QMS from a bad one. This time, we’re getting tactical.…

51
Audit-Ready Always: Building a World-Class QMS That Actually Works, 477 48:28

1M ago48:28

48:28

If you think quality management is just about passing audits, think again. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re joined by Jess Teasdale—a true QMS expert and certified lead auditor in both AS9100 and ISO 13485—to break down what it really takes to build a world-class quality system. Whether you're running a two-person job shop or leading a growing…

1
The Automation Trap: Saving a Shop with Systems, Not Spindles, Ep #21 41:11

1M ago41:11

41:11

Welcome back to Lights Out, where we’re continuing our deep dive into Iron Clunk’s lean transformation—and this one is a turning point. After hitting rock bottom, Gary’s found a lifeline in Klaus and the Lean Stream team. But this isn’t a charity case—it’s an investment. With tools like value stream mapping, theory of constraints, and 5S, Gary and …

1
Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: What Really Happens After the LOI (Part II), Ep #25 46:25

1M ago46:25

46:25

If you think selling your business is just about getting the highest number, think again. In Part II of my conversation with the all-star team at CLA—Erin Mickels, Mike Britten, and Mike Pohl—we dig into the fine print that can make or break your deal after the handshake. From LOIs to sales price allocations to working capital battles, this is wher…

1
Clueless CEO or Culture Genius? When Curiosity Beats Credentials 49:32

1M ago49:32

49:32

What happens when a self-proclaimed “mechanically deficient” leader takes the reins of a 170-person fabrication business? For Brandon Stanchock, it meant leaning into curiosity, asking “dumb” questions, and spending a week in every department—boots on the ground, in the heat of summer. In this episode of Making Sparks, Brandon joins Casey and Matth…

1
SWIT the Details: How Top Shops Nail Quality Control, 476 41:18

1M ago41:18

41:18

Let’s be real—every shop says they make quality parts. But doing it consistently? That’s a whole different game. In this episode of the MakingChips Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it actually takes to build—and sustain—excellence in quality control. From quoting parts you can actually make, to in-process inspections, to how your shippin…

1
Legacy, Liquidity, and the Long Game: Building Value Before You Sell, Ep #24 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll sell when I’m ready”—you’re already behind. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, I sit down with three powerhouse advisors from CLA—Erin Mickels (owner transition expert), Mike Britten (tax wizard), and Mike Pohl (wealth whisperer)—to unpack what it really takes to set yourself up for a successful exit from your manufac…

1
Programming Smarter: How Hexagon’s ESPRIT EDGE Transforms Your CAM Workflow, 475 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

What if your CAM software could learn from every part you've ever programmed—and make your next one faster, smarter, and easier? At Hexagon Live, we sat down with Ryan Pembroke to explore how ESPRIT EDGE is doing exactly that. As Hexagon’s Product Manager for cloud-based production software, Ryan shares how this next-gen platform is helping shops s…

1
The Connected Advantage: Solving Real Problems with Hexagon’s Digital Workforce, Ep #20 42:01

2M ago42:01

42:01

In this special episode of Lights Out, we step away from the Automation Trap series for a special episode recorded at Hexagon Live, where the buzz wasn’t just about race car simulators—but about revolutionizing shop floor productivity. We sit down with Darren Metherell, Head of Sales for Hexagon’s Connected Worker team, to explore how modern manufa…

1
The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, 474 1:02:18

2M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

1
The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Manufacturers Need to Know Now, #23 1:02:18

2M ago1:02:18

1:02:18

When I first heard about the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” I knew we had to break it down for the MakingChips audience. This isn’t just another tax update—it’s a massive, 900-page piece of legislation with real implications for manufacturers like us. Whether you're thinking about buying equipment, expanding your facility, hiring more people, or selling…

1
Your Process Is Only as Good as Your People 54:30

2M ago54:30

54:30

What do you do when your fab shop isn’t broken—but you know it could be better? In this episode, Alfonso Aramburo joins us from Southern California to talk about the work he does turning around underperforming manufacturing companies. But his approach isn’t about flashy strategy or instant fixes—it’s about people, process, and product, in that orde…

1
Engineering Attention: Hüseyin Kılıç shares How Storytelling Can Grow Your Shop, 473 46:12

2M ago46:12

46:12

What if your machine shop could reach millions—not just buyers, but future employees, potential partners, and everyday people who suddenly “get” why manufacturing matters? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Hüseyin Kılıç, founder and CEO of Interesting Engineering, a digital media powerhouse with over 25 million followers across YouTu…

1
Smart Money Moves: How to Grow Your Shop Without Breaking the Bank, Ep #22 56:02

2M ago56:02

56:02

I’m halfway through the year and, like many of you, I feel as if it’s still February. Orders are steady but not spectacular, and every headline seems designed to keep shop owners awake at night. That’s why I invited my friend and financing partner Ty Willis back on Buy the Numbers—because cautious optimism only works if your cash flow can keep up w…

1
From Microns to Megastructures: Machining at the Extreme Ends of the Spectrum, 472 55:39

2M ago55:39

55:39

What do a luxury wristwatch and a 50-foot-long aerospace weldment have in common? They’re both precision-machined, but that’s where the similarities end. In this episode of MakingChips, we’re exploring the extremes of manufacturing—from parts that fit on the tip of your finger to parts so massive they require cranes and riggers just to load onto a …

1
The Automation Trap: One Shop’s Hard Lesson in Lean Thinking, Ep #19 42:35

2M ago42:35

42:35

In this explosive second installment of our manufacturing audio drama, The Automation Trap, we return to the saga of Gary and his struggling shop, Iron Clunk Machining. Desperate to prove himself and catch up to his more successful rival Klaus, Gary dives headfirst into automation—but without the foundational principles that make automation work. T…

1
How to Grow a Small Fabrication Shop without Losing Control 49:20

2M ago49:20

49:20

What does it take to run a fab shop, scale a personal brand, and merge two business models—without losing your mind? In this episode, the Ross Brothers, Rodney Ross & Austin Ross joined us from South Dakota to share how they're navigating their journey of running two different welding businesses. One is rooted in boots on the ground fabrication. Th…

1
Shop Floor Greatness Starts at the Top: Inside the Top Shops Culture at Major Tool, 471 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

What does it take to run one of the top-performing machine shops in the country? In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Kevin Bowling, COO of Major Tool & Machine, to find out exactly what drives their success—and why it all starts with people. Kevin isn’t just leading a massive operation with 670,000 square feet of manufacturing space an…

1
The Marketing Metrics That Actually Matter, Ep #21 1:06:44

2M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

What happens when a former MLB.com writer ends up leading marketing for one of the most complex machine tool portfolios in the country? You get a masterclass in translating business goals into real marketing ROI. In this episode of Buy the Numbers, Jon Star—Director of Marketing at Methods Machine Tools—joins us for a conversation about data-driven…

1
Managing Orders From Setup to Shipment—Without Losing Control, 470 48:48

3M ago48:48

48:48

Planning a job is one thing—getting it through the shop without chaos is something else entirely. In part two of our Managing Orders series, we move beyond quoting and scheduling to the messy reality of production: where kitting falls short, setups go long, expectations don’t match reality, and quality gets squeezed when time runs out. We’ve seen i…

1
The Automation Trap: Why Automating Chaos Won’t Save You, Ep #18 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

What happens when a desperate shop owner tries to copy someone else’s success—without understanding the system behind it? In this episode of Lights Out, Nick and Kaleb are joined by their friend and workholding expert Eric Nekich to break down the first chapter of a fictional story that might hit a little too close to home. “The Automation Trap” fo…

1
How to Build a Culture While the Last Generation Lets Go 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

What does it really look like to step in as 2nd Generation & a lead a fabrication shop when the 1st Generation is still helping run it? In this episode, Jason Hayes, President of Top Coat Fabrication, shares his journey as a 2nd generation leader navigating the slow handoff of full responsibility from his parents, while carrying nearly all of the d…

1
Managing Orders: Planning for Precision on the Shop Floor, 469 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Once the PO comes in, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “just get it done.” But if we don’t manage orders with intention and clarity, we’re setting ourselves—and our teams—up for chaos. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we break down what it really takes to run a smooth, efficient production floor. This isn’t just about buying softwa…

1
Beyond the Books: Turning Your Accounting into a Competitive Advantage, Ep #20 1:03:11

3M ago1:03:11

1:03:11

What if I told you that your accounting function could be your greatest weapon in the fight for better margins, smarter decisions, and stronger growth? Too often, we treat accounting like a chore—just another box to check, another invoice to send. But if you're serious about building a resilient, efficient, and scalable manufacturing business, then…

1
Profit Starts with the Quote: Estimating Smarter for a Stronger Shop, 468 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

Are you losing money before the job even hits the floor? If your quotes are based on outdated spreadsheets, rough guesses, or a “that’s what we’ve always charged” mindset, you might be setting your shop up to fail—before the first chip falls. In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we tackle one of the most common (and costly) problems in m…

1
Dimming the Lights: How to Build a Shop Ready for Automation, Ep #17 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

What if going “lights out” wasn’t about giant robots or million-dollar cells—but about one simple mindset shift? In this kickoff to our new Automation Academy series, we break down the truth behind successful automation. Spoiler: it's not just about buying a robot. It's about building a stable process, defining standards, and rethinking what’s poss…

1
People Buy from People They Trust with Meaghan Ziemba 44:45

3M ago44:45

44:45

In this episode, we sit down with Meaghan Ziemba, founder of Mavens of Manufacturing, for a conversation that goes way beyond marketing tactics. We’re talking about what really builds trust in this industry—and spoiler alert: it’s not perfectly polished sales pitches. We get into why showing up as your real self matters, how content can turn custom…

1
From Invisible to Irresistible: Marketing That Actually Attracts Work, 467 1:09:02

3M ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Before you spend a dime on advertising—or hire a marketing agency—you need to answer one foundational question: Who exactly are you trying to reach? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, Nick, Mike, and Paul sit down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of The Manufacturing Executive podcast, to break down the strategy beh…

1
Golf, Grit, and CNC: Inside the Launch of Hanna Golf, Ep #19 55:11

3M ago55:11

55:11

Most golfers obsess over their gear—but almost none of them build it. Jared Doerfler did. After playing college golf and spending years in sales, he found himself pulled back into the game he loved—but this time, through the lens of product creation. With zero machining experience, he quit his job, bought a beginner CNC mill, and decided to manufac…

1
The Sales Mindset Shift: How to Grow Current, Dormant, and New Accounts, 466 1:09:29

4M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

This might be one of the most important conversations we’ve had in the Machine Shop MBA series—because we’re unpacking a mindset that quietly limits the growth potential of so many shops: the “cashier model.” We’ve seen it time and time again—shops waiting at the counter for purchase orders to roll in, instead of actively building relationships, so…

1
After the Merger: Building a Shared Future in the Fab Shop | Part 2 37:38

4M ago37:38

37:38

In Part 2 of our chat with Parker Huncilman, we get into what happened after the deal was done. From day-one chaos to tough conversations with employees, Parker walks us through what it really looked like to merge two long-standing fab shops. We talk through lessons learned, missteps along the way, and how they worked to bring two teams together wi…

1
The Tech Stack Advantage: Turning Software into a Sales Tool for Machine Shops, 465 57:33

4M ago57:33

57:33

When you're launching or scaling a machine shop, it’s easy to think of software as a cost—something you "have to have" just to get by. But what if your tech stack could become your sharpest competitive edge? In this episode of the Machine Shop MBA series, we are joined by returning guest and digital strategy expert Bryce Barnes to unpack why your s…

1
Compensation Isn’t Just About Money—It’s About Loyalty, Retention, and Legacy, Ep #18 54:15

4M ago54:15

54:15

Most of us shop owners tend to keep compensation pretty simple: pay ourselves what the business can afford, pay our team what feels fair, and hope that keeps everyone happy. But I’ve learned over the years that this approach can quietly hurt the very business we’re trying to grow. In this episode, I sit down with John Jones from Scissortail Executi…

1
Gorilla 76 In the House: A New Era for Manufacturing Media, 464 39:17

4M ago39:17

39:17

What happens when a young marketer decides to stop chasing every client and instead zeroes in on one industry? You get Gorilla 76—a leading agency that’s spent nearly two decades helping B2B manufacturers connect, grow, and lead. In this special episode of MakingChips, the team sits down with Joe Sullivan, co-founder of Gorilla 76 and host of three…

1
The Home of MFG: Uniting Events, Podcasts, and Tools for the Manufacturing Nation, 463 31:27

4M ago31:27

31:27

What if every trade show, manufacturing podcast, and business resource you needed was just a few clicks away? That’s the vision behind The Home of MFG, a new online hub created by Chris Stevens—a manufacturing leader who got tired of fragmented information and decided to build a centralized, open-access platform for the industry. In this episode, w…

1
Preparing for a Merger: Hard Decisions to Preserve Legacy in the Fab Shop | Part 1 35:04

4M ago35:04

35:04

In this episode of MakingSparks, we dive what went into a first-of-its-kind merger between two 5th generation Metal Fabrication shops: NIX® Industrial and Huncilman Sheet Metal. Hosts Casey and Matthew sit down with Parker Huncilman to unpack the strategic, emotional, and operational decisions that made this merger a win for both sides. From growth…

1
Meet MAESTRO: How Hexagon is Turning Quality Into a Power Play, 462 44:49

4M ago44:49

44:49

If inspection is the bottleneck in your shop, you’re not alone—and this episode might just be your blueprint for breaking through it. We sat down with the team behind MAESTRO, the latest release from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division, to explore how a complete reinvention of the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) is shifting quality con…

1
Personal Guarantees & Loan Covenants: How to Not Get Burned, Ep #17 57:21

4M ago57:21

57:21

Most of us would never machine a part without checking the tolerances first — so why do so many shop owners sign off on financing agreements without understanding the performance “tolerances” our banks are quietly measuring us against? In this episode of Buy the Numbers, commercial banker Danny O’Keefe returns to break down two terms that sound lik…

1
Machines Are Just the Start (How to Build a Shop That Lasts), 461 1:14:51

4M ago1:14:51

1:14:51

If you’re in the trenches of manufacturing like we are—running a shop, growing a business, or even dreaming of starting your own—this episode is going to hit home. We’re diving deep into the real challenges and choices that come with equipping a machine shop. It’s not just about what machine to buy; it’s about how to make smart, future-proof decisi…

1
Is Coaching the Key to Lights-Out Success? Ep #16 53:01

5M ago53:01

53:01

What happens when cutting-edge CAM automation meets boots-on-the-ground manufacturing know-how? You get an eye-opening conversation that will challenge the way you think about the future of your shop—and your role in it. In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with David Vuyk, a guy who’s walked every inch of the shop floor and now finds himself…